This is the sixth part of an eleven-piece series on ways that you can improve your auditions! Read our previous post on being yourself here. We will be taking an honest and in-depth look at how auditions work and what you can do to succeed. This edition focuses on how to properly thank your judges and make a smooth exit after the audition. Guarantee that your last impression at the audition is a positive one!

Thanking the Judges

After you have performed your audition, don’t forget to thank your judges! It is also important to acknowledge the accompanist if there is one. It’s a good idea to follow with a short sentence wishing them well with the rest of their audition day or an upcoming event (ex: “Thank you so much for hearing me today. I hope that you have a great weekend!”) Resist the urge to make conversation or to ask questions. It is not the appropriate time to inquire about audition results or what will happen next. NEVER ask for feedback or fish for compliments about your performance. It is rare to get any written or verbal commentary on your audition.

If the judges ask you questions about your availability, resume, or attempt to make conversation, keep your responses genuine but to the point. Rehearse your answers beforehand so that you don’t ramble or qualify your statements. For example, a poor response to the question, “What is your availability next month?” would be, “Well, I’m free every day but Wednesday. That’s because I babysit my neighbor’s kid but they sometimes are homeschooled, so it depends on the week. I guess I’m free some Wednesdays.” A more appropriate response would be, “I’m available every day but Wednesday. I may be able to make exceptions if the rehearsal schedule is published in advance.” Ultimately, be yourself but remain aware that the judges are on a relatively strict time table.

Avoid Questions

The following is a list of questions that should never be asked of the judges in an audition. Most should be self-explanatory. If you happen to ask one or more of these questions, it will not bode well for your chances of being hired!

“How did I do?”

“Can you give me any feedback?”

“I made a mistake. May I do it again?”

“May I restart?”

“When will I hear about the results?”

“How much does this pay?”

“May I start?” or “Are you ready?”

“Did I bring the right material?”

After your performance, your focus should immediately shift to thanking the judges and making a gracious exit. Save the questions for later!

Remember the Proctors

When leaving the audition location, remember to thank the proctors or the members of the company working in the lobby. Their job is very difficult, and treating them well reflects positively on your character and professionalism. The proctors may have a slight influence on who gets hired. If you have any questions about the next step or when you will hear results, you may ask the proctor after your audition. Assuming that you were friendly with them when you first arrived, they will be eager to help you and chat.

The Truth

People will always remember how you go out more than how you came in. This is true for first meetings like auditions and long-term commitments like relationships, employment, projects, and schooling. You must pour your positive energy and kindness into your exit so that a bad impression doesn’t sour the hard work that you put into your audition. Imagine that the audition extends into the parking lot. By doing so, you will maintain composure all the way until you reach your car or another form of transportation. This goes along with the idea of “maintaining face.” If you feel that your audition was not your best or if you are upset about something, try your hardest to not acknowledge that or convey your emotions until you are in a private place. It is both professional and admirable to be able to hold your composure in all circumstances. When you are leaving, don’t forget to smile and breathe a sigh of relief! The hardest part is over and you did it. Congrats!

Use these tips to make sure that everyone’s last impression of you at the audition is a good one. Always thank your judges and the audition staff! Read more of our audition tips here. Stay tuned for the next installment of our audition series, being helpful!